Mermet Springs is located on US 45 between Vienna and Metropolis, IL. As you enter the site, you'll be amazed at the picturesque wooded backdrop and sheer cliff rising across from the cool-blue water. From the main diving dock, you'll see schools of large bluegill, giant albino channel catfish and further down Spoonbills! These prehistoric throw-backs have huge mouths and are known to grow larger than five-foot in length. Seeing these "paddlefish" up close will raise your pulse a bit, but don't worry...they are filter feeders and eat microscopic critters that feed on the algae. All these fish are very friendly, almost tame. Fishing is strictly prohibited at Mermet Springs. But feeding the fish is welcome, just watch your fingers with those big cats.